Former TMC student leader among three arrested for alleged rape of student inside Kolkata law college

A 24-year-old female student was allegedly raped inside a law college in Kolkata earlier this week, leading to the arrest of three individuals — a contractual staff member and two students.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Manojit Mishra (31), Zaib Ahmed (19), and Pramit Mukherjee (20). Mishra, the main accused, is a former student of the institution and currently works there in a contractual role. According to officials, he previously served as a leader of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the student wing of the TMC, though the party has stated he is no longer affiliated.

The two other accused are enrolled students at the same law college.

Police have filed the case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Section 127(2) (wrongful confinement), Section 70(1) (gang rape), and Section 3(5) (common intention in criminal acts).

According to police sources, the incident occurred on Wednesday around 4 PM when the woman entered the students’ union room. She was allegedly taken to another room, locked inside, and sexually assaulted. In her complaint, the woman stated that the accused threatened her not to speak about the incident. She later informed her family, who urged her to approach the police.

Police stated that Mishra allegedly committed the sexual assault while the other two suspects secured the door from the outside.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rupesh Kumar confirmed that Mishra and Ahmed were arrested on Thursday evening, followed by Mukherjee shortly after midnight on Friday. All three accused have had their mobile phones seized as part of the investigation.

An officer added that the assault reportedly took place between 7:30 PM and 10:50 PM in the guardroom on the college’s ground floor. A preliminary medical examination of the victim has been completed, witnesses have been interviewed, and the crime scene has been preserved for forensic analysis.

The accused were produced in court and remanded to four days of police custody.

Mishra’s lawyer denied the allegations, claiming his client was being targeted due to political rivalries.

Kolkata Police issued a public appeal urging restraint in sharing unverified or misleading information about the case. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), they said:
“An FIR was promptly registered, and all three accused named in the complaint were apprehended within 12 hours. They have been remanded to custody until July 1. The investigation is being carried out with utmost seriousness, professionalism, and sensitivity. We urge the public and digital platforms to refrain from spreading unverified content that may disrupt the judicial process or compromise the dignity of those involved.”

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the case. Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Kolkata Police Commissioner, demanding an immediate and time-bound investigation. The NCW also emphasized the need to provide comprehensive medical, psychological, and legal support to the survivor and to offer compensation under Section 396 of the BNSS. A detailed action report has been requested within three days.

The incident has sparked a political backlash. In a social media statement, the TMC condemned the incident and assured strict action:
“We unequivocally condemn this heinous act. Kolkata Police have arrested all three accused, and the full force of the law will be applied. This tragic event underscores the urgent need for the Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill to be implemented, ensuring swift trials, strict punishments, and strong deterrence against such crimes.”

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging administrative negligence:
“The entire police force is in Digha. What are they doing there? CM Mamata Banerjee has deployed the whole Kolkata Police in Digha. What can people expect from such a government? She has no moral right to remain the Chief Minister.”